Fishing remains a draw for many visitors to Ely, but its role has evolved as part of a broader outdoor tourism economy, according to the Ely Chamber of Commerce.
“Over the years, outdoor experiences have evolved to include a far broader range of recreational activities,” said Eva Sebesta, executive director of the chamber. “Fishing is a part of the tourism industry,” she said, but noted that many visitors come to Ely with other outdoor activities in mind. Some are experienced anglers targeting specific species, while others view fishing as a secondary activity during a vacation.
Jim Bishop, a Spooner, Wisc., resident, took a trip in June with seven friends into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. For Bishop, the simplicity of fishing is part of the area’s deep appeal.
“It is time to be, just be,” he said. “That goes along with the simplicity of the wild country where one only has to fish, eat, sleep, and be.”
Ely does not have individual fishing guides as chamber members, but several businesses in the area offer guide services. Ely Fishing Guide Company, Boundary Waters Guide Service, and Piragis Northwoods Outfitters each work with contracted guides who provide day trips and overnight excursions. Guides may be affiliated with resorts or operate independently.
Fishing guides in the area often book several months in advance, particularly for wilderness trips. Sebesta said visitors planning to include a guided fishing trip should make reservations well ahead of time.
“We have a mix of day guides used by resorts and overnight fishing guides for canoe trips,” Sebesta said. “Fishing guide services like Ely Fishing Guide Company, Boundary Waters Guide Service, and Piragis Northwoods are experts at finding the right guide for the trip.”
A Broader Economic Impact
While fishing is just one piece of Ely’s tourism puzzle, it fuels spending in other areas of the local economy.
“The tourism industry is important to our local economy. Fishing is a part of that,” Sebesta said. “When someone books a guided fishing trip, they’re also booking a cabin, eating in town, and often stopping in to pick up last-minute gear. It all adds up.”
Even casual anglers can have an impact. Families who rent a canoe and try their luck with a line in the water may not be fishing-focused, but they still support outfitters, lodging, and local businesses.
“We see families, couples, and first-time visitors giving it a try,” Sebesta said. “It’s not just the experienced anglers anymore.”
Planning Ahead and Protecting the Resource
Guided fishing trips into the Boundary Waters require a permit, and many are subject to quotas that fill up quickly during the peak summer months. Visitors are encouraged to reserve permits through the U.S. Forest Service or through local outfitters who assist with trip logistics.
“People sometimes underestimate how much planning goes into a Boundary Waters trip,” Sebesta said. “Even for a day trip, you need to consider permits, fishing licenses, weather, and gear.”
Catch-and-release fishing and mindful conservation practices are strongly encouraged to preserve the area’s pristine lakes. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sets limits on size, species, and the number of fish that can be taken.
“Fishing here is special because the waters are still so wild and clean,” Sebesta said. “We want to keep it that way for future generations.”
For more information on permits, call 877-444-6777, or visit: recreation.gov.
